JOIN IN - OFFICIAL 2010 Secret Santa Extravaganza!
Oct 21, 2010, 7:40 pm
#31
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Minnesota
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hertz Gold
Posts: 154
This is my first year doing this and I'm so excited. I remember when I was a kid doing this, and now I have more money .....This will be awesome.
One question, Do we buy little gifts the whole time this is going on and send them? or just one big gift at the end? I just want to know the RULES so I don't break 'em lol
Woody
One question, Do we buy little gifts the whole time this is going on and send them? or just one big gift at the end? I just want to know the RULES so I don't break 'em lol
Woody
Last edited by woodyth; Oct 21, 2010 at 7:41 pm Reason: sp.
Oct 22, 2010, 5:31 am
#32
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
Woody,
That is up to you... I have seen both in the past...
I have received one box that had many things in it... plenty to unwrap... and have also gotten several gifts mailed at different times...
Have fun with this!
That is up to you... I have seen both in the past...
I have received one box that had many things in it... plenty to unwrap... and have also gotten several gifts mailed at different times...
Have fun with this!
This is my first year doing this and I'm so excited. I remember when I was a kid doing this, and now I have more money .....This will be awesome.
One question, Do we buy little gifts the whole time this is going on and send them? or just one big gift at the end? I just want to know the RULES so I don't break 'em lol
Woody
One question, Do we buy little gifts the whole time this is going on and send them? or just one big gift at the end? I just want to know the RULES so I don't break 'em lol
Woody
Oct 22, 2010, 8:14 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: US-CP, UA, Marriott Rewards, HHonors, Avis,
Posts: 4,549
Hope that helps as an example. Ever since I started providing details like that, the gifts I've received have been more attuned to what I like. Although I'm easy-going. A nice Amazon gift card will do, but getting more specific things to my likes is a bit more fun.
Cheers.
Looks like I will need to reword my letter to Santa
Oct 22, 2010, 8:22 am
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Well you don't need to provide page #s, 800#s & prices of what you'd like 
, but the more info you can provide the easier it is for your SS and for you.
What really makes it difficult is when someone says 'anything travel-related'
Ok, how 'bout some luggage tags. LOL...
You'll have a blast w/ SS. And it's just as much fun to figure out what you're going to give as it is to receive.
What some folk have also done (but you need to know other FTers to make it work or someone in general who would do it) is have their gifts and/or cards sent from a different location, so as to confuse the SS recipient on who their SS is or where they reside. Because part of it is guessing who your SS is (sometimes SS gets 'outed' by Amazon etc putting who the shipper is). Some like to know who their SS is; some don't. Some SS's like the recipients to know who they are; some don't.
Cheers.
, but the more info you can provide the easier it is for your SS and for you. What really makes it difficult is when someone says 'anything travel-related'
Ok, how 'bout some luggage tags. LOL...You'll have a blast w/ SS. And it's just as much fun to figure out what you're going to give as it is to receive.
What some folk have also done (but you need to know other FTers to make it work or someone in general who would do it) is have their gifts and/or cards sent from a different location, so as to confuse the SS recipient on who their SS is or where they reside. Because part of it is guessing who your SS is (sometimes SS gets 'outed' by Amazon etc putting who the shipper is). Some like to know who their SS is; some don't. Some SS's like the recipients to know who they are; some don't.
Cheers.
Oct 22, 2010, 9:21 am
#35
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
SkiAdcock is so correct... it can be much fun.
I actually personally delivered gifts for people at a party I was attending... The FTer was very shocked that SANTA was delivering their gift from someone else...
To this day, many people do not know who their Santas have been... and many have tried to find out through me... to no avail...
I actually personally delivered gifts for people at a party I was attending... The FTer was very shocked that SANTA was delivering their gift from someone else...
To this day, many people do not know who their Santas have been... and many have tried to find out through me... to no avail...
Oct 22, 2010, 9:54 am
#36
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,026
It's clear that indeed most folks do. And wharvey deserves lots and lots of credit for doing the hours and hours of work that this entails. But the one time I participated, I did indeed enjoy getting about $50 worth of gifts tailored to my giftee's situation, and in turn I received from my SS a magazine subscription that I had no interest in (and can be had for 300 FF miles) and a small item that comes as a "free gift" with other subscriptions.
Oct 24, 2010, 2:36 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,077
dcpatti,
The Elves at WHQ would appreciate as much information as possible.
Please re-read the lovely SkiAdcocks description below. She's right on the money.
Last year, I was very specific in my requests. I suggested what I wanted, and also suggested the place to get it (avoiding shipping and any fees). Everyone made out.
^
Disclaimer... every once in a while, one of the Elves wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, and doesn't play Secret Santa in the spirit Santa (wharvey) intends it to be played.
The Elves at WHQ would appreciate as much information as possible.
Please re-read the lovely SkiAdcocks description below. She's right on the money.
Last year, I was very specific in my requests. I suggested what I wanted, and also suggested the place to get it (avoiding shipping and any fees). Everyone made out.
^ Well here's what I provided to Santa to pass along to his elf regarding me, if you need an example:
"I like both giving & receiving at Xmastime, which is my favorite time of the year. And yes I watch every schlocky Xmas movie on the telly, even if they're bad! I wrap my Xmas gifts while watching "Planes,Trains & Automobiles" (Steve Martin & John Candy) & "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby); it's a tradition.
I fly United 99.9% of the time (*Alliance if UA doesn't go somewhere), so SWUs, CR1s, RCC/PC day passes all happily accepted if my SS has any & is feeling generous. Also, Marriott is my # 1 hotel chain, so anything they've got to offer ok too.
I LOVE champagne!, and enjoy good red & white wine. I eat most types of food (love Italian), but am allergic to seafood/fish & not that big a fan of Indian food.
While I work in the movie industry I actually enjoy movies as well, so go quite often to the theatre or rent from Blockbuster. So gift certs to AMC or Goodrich theater chains or Blockbuster Video also happily accepted. Or even a dvd (scary horror ones are not my thing however). I already have a netflix subscription.
I read constantly & usually donate a 100 books a year to the local library for their fundraiser after I've finished reading them. Hmm, Barnes&Noble gift cert comes to mind (there is not a Borders where I now live, so B&N if SS goes this route, or a gift cert to Amazon for Kindle purchases as I own a Kindle).
I don't drink coffee, but do drink Tzao Green Tea which Starbucks carries. Also Twinings Earl Gray tea, which can be bought anywhere.
Needless to say, I love traveling - and meeting new people, such as FTers."
"I like both giving & receiving at Xmastime, which is my favorite time of the year. And yes I watch every schlocky Xmas movie on the telly, even if they're bad! I wrap my Xmas gifts while watching "Planes,Trains & Automobiles" (Steve Martin & John Candy) & "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby); it's a tradition.
I fly United 99.9% of the time (*Alliance if UA doesn't go somewhere), so SWUs, CR1s, RCC/PC day passes all happily accepted if my SS has any & is feeling generous. Also, Marriott is my # 1 hotel chain, so anything they've got to offer ok too.
I LOVE champagne!, and enjoy good red & white wine. I eat most types of food (love Italian), but am allergic to seafood/fish & not that big a fan of Indian food.
While I work in the movie industry I actually enjoy movies as well, so go quite often to the theatre or rent from Blockbuster. So gift certs to AMC or Goodrich theater chains or Blockbuster Video also happily accepted. Or even a dvd (scary horror ones are not my thing however). I already have a netflix subscription.
I read constantly & usually donate a 100 books a year to the local library for their fundraiser after I've finished reading them. Hmm, Barnes&Noble gift cert comes to mind (there is not a Borders where I now live, so B&N if SS goes this route, or a gift cert to Amazon for Kindle purchases as I own a Kindle).
I don't drink coffee, but do drink Tzao Green Tea which Starbucks carries. Also Twinings Earl Gray tea, which can be bought anywhere.
Needless to say, I love traveling - and meeting new people, such as FTers."
Oct 25, 2010, 5:21 am
#39
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
Anyone can resubmit your information... however, you must send a completely new IM answering all the questions again. I will not be merging PMs.
Oct 25, 2010, 5:03 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: I'm all in on Ultimate Rewards
Posts: 119
Dear Secret Santa-
I just came up with yet another perfect gift to give me
Access to a program which allows me to see award availability on a mac for a one world award ticket. I'm planning on doing a mini rtw trip next August-October after I take the CA bar exam and will have just enough miles to plan the 150k J award by December. This would be great in helping me out! Oh, and if you happened to have done something similar, advice is also STRONGLY welcomed!
I just came up with yet another perfect gift to give me
Access to a program which allows me to see award availability on a mac for a one world award ticket. I'm planning on doing a mini rtw trip next August-October after I take the CA bar exam and will have just enough miles to plan the 150k J award by December. This would be great in helping me out! Oh, and if you happened to have done something similar, advice is also STRONGLY welcomed!
Oct 26, 2010, 5:11 am
#42
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
I have updated the listing with all who have submitted information to me.
Let your Flyertalk friends know and get them to sign up!
Let your Flyertalk friends know and get them to sign up!
Oct 29, 2010, 11:56 am
#44
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston
Programs: CO Plat; Marriott Silver; Hilton Gold
Posts: 623
I really enjoy shopping for FT Secret Santa. I don't know that I've always hit the mark, but I really do try. When there's not enough info, I learned this trick from others - set up a separate e-mail account with yahoo or whoever to ask your recipient specific questions: FTSecretsanta@yahoo...... or something similar if you don't want your identity revealed.